Communicating Using the Two-Way Radio

The two way radio or transceiver is a device incorporating the variation in radio technology which allows the user to transmit and receive sound waves. Unlike the typical broadcast receiver which can only receive transmissions, the transceiver allows the user to communicate with people who have the other radio. Transceivers can only receive and transmit content with radios operating in the same radio frequency. Transceivers are popularly known in the market as walkie-talkies.

Transceivers are operated using the half duplex system. The half duplex system means that the user can only transmit or receive their messages one at a time. Simply, they cannot talk and listen at the same time. Transceivers are generally set on receiving mode. Transmitting (or talking) is usually activated by pressing the push to talk or PTT button installed in the device.

This is how transceivers work. Transceivers receive sound waves that are travelling airborne. Sound waves are received using the antenna installed in the device. The electrons placed in the antenna moves excitedly whenever sound waves are received by the device. These rapid movements of the electron generate electric impulses that are converted to sound waves using the processor in the radio. The constant receipt of sound waves causes the non-descript noise generated by the radio when they are not in use.

Aside from the ability to receive radio waves, transceivers are also equipped with a feature that allows the conversion of sound into radio waves that can be sent to another radio device. The vibrations are translated into an electronic signal which can be understood by receivers. This then travels upwards to the antenna as it is distributed to the air for eventual transmission.

Because a single radio channel would cause confusion as a result of the abundance of transceiver in the market, manufacturers have added a new feature which allows users to access multiple channels in the device. The transmitter is modified to allow frequency modulation on varying frequencies. The modified frequency is then sent out over the atmosphere and this can be picked up by another transceiver operating on the same radio frequency level. The success of the transmission of these sound waves can be affected by the radio’s battery level, antenna size and weather conditions. This can be received by the other radio through passing on the bandpass filter, and then conversion into audible sound messages.
People should seriously consider using a transceiver because of two reasons. First, the use of transceiver allows instant communication between two parties. Transceiver utilizes the PPT technology which allows very fast call set-up time. Users typically don’t need to wait for a long time before they can contact the person which possesses the other radio. Because of this, transceivers are commonly used for operational and tactical activities.

Second, transceivers permit radio users to utilize the one-to-many communication. This feature promotes efficient communication that can help to get job done faster. Group calls also avoids repetitive conveyance of messages to a number of people. Most transceivers also facilitate group calls through one minimum radio frequency channel only. Recipients only need to tune in to that particular frequency to listen to the message real time.

There are two main classifications of transceivers that are available in the market: the conventional and the trunked. Conventional transceivers are operated using preset radio frequencies. Users can choose whichever frequency they want to use in this type of transceiver. Conventional transceivers incorporate most of the basic features of this type of radio.

On the other hand, trunked transceivers automatically choose which radio frequency channel to operate into. There is a protocol embedded into the system which describes the interconnectivity between radio frequency and the radio support system. Trunked transceivers also allow user to simultaneously talk and listen on a single channel. This type of transceiver are incorporated with electronic components that are use to set up communication between different radio transmitters/receivers.